Brake for vehicles.



PATENTED NOV. 20, 1906.

E. I'. BRADLEY. BRAKE FOR VEHICLES.

APPLICATION FILED DE.27. 1904.

` UNITED sTATEs PATENT oEEicE.

EDWARD F. BRADLEY, OF TUF NELL PARK,l LONDON, ENGLAND, ASSIGNOR TO BERNARD F. BRADLEY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

` BRAKE FOB VEHICLES.

Speccation of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 20` 1906.

i Appication iiled December 27, 1904. Serial No. 238,486.

` To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWARD FRANKLIN BRADLEY, a citizen of the United States, residing in Tufnell Park, London, N., England,

have invented a new and useful Im `rovement in Brakes for Vehicles, ol which t e following is a description.

This invention relates to brakes for vehicles of all kinds, and particularly to the class of brakes falling under the general description oi friction-brakes and which are caused to expand radially.

It is an object oi' this invention to provide a brake for vehicles ot all kinds which will be positive, powerful, and certain in its action and by medium oi which a maximum amount; of -friction can be applied with a minimum amo unt of actuating force and movement.

Other obiects of this invention are to pro-f' vide a brake mechanism which is compact and simple in structure and which has few parts so arranged and disposed that the power for expanding the brake-band into ac-y tion can be applied equally in opposite directions; to produce a brake mechanism in; which the expanding member can be returned to and held in a concentricl inoperative position when released and there maintained, when not in operation in a manner to avoid the noise and rattling of parts such as is coni-1 mon in existing forms now on the market; to provide a brake mechanism which will be equally effective in both directions oi. movement oi the vehicle to provide. a brake mech-f aiiism which can be applied to any vehicle without the .necessi t y for altering or materialiy modifying any of the parts of either the brake or vehicle and which is easy of application and. removal, and to provide a brake.

r mechanism of simple parts and the coperation oi which parts enables powerful pressure to be applied instantlyand maintained with a high degree of certainty and efficiency.

Other objects will appear during the course of this description, and with the same in view, together with. those above noted, this invention consists in the parts, features, elements, and combinations hereinafter described and claimed.

In the drawings which :form part of this de- ,.Scription, Figure is an elevation of a portion of a vehicle-wheel and its axle, showing the application oi' the brake mechanism thereto, portions of the latter and ot the Wheel being in section and the section being on the line 1 1 of Fig. 2. Fig.v 2 is a side elevation of the brake mechanism, the axle of the `ehicle and the brake-ring being shown in section and the brake-actuating mechanism being only partially shown. Fig. 3 is a detail view showing the means for iolding the brake-band from lateral movement, and Fig. 4 is a detail view showing the construction ofthe brake-lever and adjacent parts, as hereinafter describe Primarily it is to be understood that'in this application I have disclosed what I deem to be at the present time the best embodiment oi my invention; but I Wish it distinctly understood that within the scope and principle of the broad idea of means involved there may be many modifications made in details which are within the skill of any niechanic and which may be necessitated by the ,appli cation oi." my brake mechanism to vehicles of different kinds or styles. Y

In the drawings I have shown a dead axle which is indicated by 1 and on the end of which the wheel 2 freely turns, only the hub and spokes or web portions of the wheel being shown. have not beenillustrated, because the same are not of importance to my invention and are deemed to be not necessary to an exposition of the latter; but it is to be distinctly understood that though I have illustrated. a

'dead axle and wheel running thereon my i vention isapplicable to vehicles employing a' live axle.

My brake mechanism consists, essentially, of the brake-ring 3, having the rim or flange 4, the ring in the instance shown being formed, cast, or otherwise rigidly secured'to the webs or spokes of the wheel 2,: but it will be understood and obvious to any one skilled in the art that this brake-ring 3 may be formed separately from the traction-Wheel 2 and applied to the latter by means of bolts Further details of these partsy passinor through the ring 3 and the Webs or spokes of the wheel 2. The inner surface of the rim 4 is uniform, and this rim constitutes one ofthe brake members.

The numeral 5 indicates one` portion ofa bracket, Which is applied to the bottom ofthe `axle 1, the opposin member of the -said bracket consisting o the part ti, applied to IOO the opposite side ofthe axle 1 and having the oppositely-extended or radial arms 7 and 8. The portions and 6 are rigidly clamped to the axle 1 by means of the bolts 9 and 10 extending through the said portions 5 and 6 and securely holding the latter to the axle by means of the nuts 11 and 12, applied, respectively., to the screw-threaded ends of said bolts. The o posite ends of said bolts are tapped into tlie depending support 13 and there respectively permanently held by rivets 14 and 15 or by any other suitable means. The depending support is thus held ri idly the positionshown and is provided with the elongated slot 16, oppositely-extending lugs 17, the arm 18, and the abutments 19.- The brake-band, constituting the other brake member, is indicated by 20 and v is made of spring metal or other suitable ystrong and durable material and has applied to its external surface a piece of durable frictional'material 21, such as gandy belting. This brake-band 2Oy is in the form of a split ring, is of uniform diameter from end to end and smaller than the brake-ring, and is so constructed as to have considerable tensile strengththat is to say, the 'ends of the band will be normally separated, and the band will lit and rest in place substantially as shown in Fig. 2. At its free ends the brake-'band 20 has -applied and rigidly held thereto in any suitable manner the shoes 22,

which at adjacent ends are provided with tubular bearings 23, and each of which bearings receives a pivotal `pin 24, affording thepivotal connection between the said brakeband and the pairs of links 25 and 26, respectively. These pairs of links at their upper ends are pivotally connected by means ofthe journal-pin 27, which also connects the said links to the link 28, the upper end of which is pivotally connected at 29between the forks 30 of the bifurcated end ofthe bellcrank lever 31, which latter is pivoted, by means of the pin 32, to the arm 18 of the depending support 13, which latter is embraced by the forks 30 or, in other words, stands within the bifurcation of the bellecrank lever 31. From the description thus far it is obvious that the pairs of links 25 and 26 embrace the depending support 13 and that the link 28 operates within the elongatedl slotv 16 lof' said support. Nuts', washers, or other holding means maybe applied to the respec-4 tive pivotal pins 24, 27 29, and 32 for the purpose of retaining the various parts. The other arm 33 of the bell-crank lever is ribbed for strength and at its upper end is pivotally connected by the pin 34 to the enlarged end '35 of the sleeve 36, which freely slides upon the connecting-rod 37, the latter at its free end being screw-threaded at 38 and havt ing applied thereto a set of holding and jam nuts 39, a-gainst one of which one end ofthe lwhich spring engages the enlarged portion 35 of the sleeve 36. A short sleeve 41 is placed upon the screw-threaded end 38 of the rod and may be attached in any suitable manner to the inner one of the nuts 39, so as to move therewith. The coiled expansionspring 40 surrounds ythe sleeves 36 and 41 and by them is prevented from contact with the screw-threads of the rod 37, thus avoid-l ing the wearing down of said screw-threads and also avoiding interference between the rod and spring. The normal tendency ofthe spring, which is, very sti and strong, is to force the arm 33 ofthe bel`lcrank lever away from the free end of the rod, and thus lift the bifurcated arm of the lever ,and in consequence the toggle-links. This will ,he further explained inthe vmode of o eration of the mechanism. A collar 42 is xed in any suitable manner u on the rod 37 at -a point such that there will be always a clearance 1n the normal or inoperative position of the brake mechanism between said collar and the enlarged end 35 of the sleeve 36. At its opposite end the rod 37 is pivoted at 43 to the upper end of the short arm 44 ofthe actuating-lever, which is pivoted at 45 to thebody y of the vehicle, as is usual, and the long arm 46 of which lever is, as usual, provided with the hand-grip for actuating the brake mechanism. It will be understood that the body of the vehicle, to which the actuating-lever 44-46 is pivoted, has movement relativelyto the brake mechanism-that is to say, the body of the vehicle, as is usual, rests and has movement upon springs, while the brake mechanism, connectedto one or more of the traction-wheels, is stationary relatively tol the vehicle-body and actuating-lever pivoted thereto in so far as vehicle movements are concerned. In other words, the actuating-l lever 44-46 has and must be allowed a cer- 'tain amount of movement relatively to the brake mechanism and especially the brakelever 31. This will be further explained in the description of' the mode ofoperation.

To prevent any lateral movement of the brake-band 20 relatively to the brake ring or ange 4, said vband is provided at opposite points with confining devices, the same consisting of the plate 47, secured by several rivets 48 or other suitable means to the brakeband 20, the said plate 47 being provided with separated lugs or extending arms 49, the inner walls 'of which are caused toconverge from the outer ends of the lugs to the surface IOO of the plate 47 thus producing the substantially V.- haped recesses 50 between the lugs for the rece tion of the enlarged ends 51 of the opposite y-extended arms 7 and 8 of the bracket-piece 6, the said enlarged ends being mad e to,conform in a measure to the shape of therecess 5G. The partsof theseconning devices obviously may be cast in one piece;

spring 40 engages and the opposite end of l but it is not intended to limit this invention to such construction, and the lugs 49 may be lined or faced with gandy-belt, leather, or other material calculated to ldeaden the contact of ends 51. Furthermore, irrespective 'of the manner in which the `parts are made and secured to the brake-band the lugs 49 will be extended beyond the bottom of the plate 47 to an extent equal to the thickness of the brake-band 20, as shown at 52, Fig. 2, and will be caused to closely embrace the sides of said brake-band, and thus provide an additional means for securing the confining devices to the brake-band and preventing any relative movement between the two, thus also-adding strength tothe structure.

The details of the brake mechanism havin been described, the mode of o eration wil now be set forth, together wit -the advantages and functions of the structural features. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the brake mechanism is in its normal or 1noperative position with the two brake members separated-viz., the brake-band 20 being out of contact\with the brake ring or flange 4 and the free ends of sail brake-band being in engagement with the abutments 19 of the depenf ing support 13 and the journalbearings of the shoes 22 bein in engagement with the lugs 17, the toggleinks being thus heldin elevated position and the lever 31 thrown back, as shown. The actuating-lever 44-46 bein pivoted to the body of the vehicle and rigif.; y

held in the position shown by the usual retaining-rack, the spring 40 will be und er compression between the head 35 of the sleeve 36 and the jam and holding nuts 39 on the rod 37. The spring being thus under com ression and the rod 37 being thus held from ongitudinal movement, Vthe u per end of the bell-crank lever 31 is thus hell yieldingly in the position shown, the said spring 40 constituting the means for holding the brake-lever 3-1 and the toggle-links from having any movements which would cause them to rattle or assume a position such that they would not be in condition to promptly and directly apply power to the brake-band.. If now movement be impartei to the actuating-lever 44-46, by grasping the upper end of the arm 46 to drive the rod 37 in the cirection of the arrow a said rod will be instantly moved. through the sleeve 36 and the spring 40 will expand, and thus momentarily hol the upper end of the arm 33 substantially in th'e position shown in Fig. 2 notwithstan ing the movement of the ro 'i 37 relatively thereto. This condition will exist until the collar 42 is brought into contact with the enlarge i end 35 of the sleeve 36, when the lever 31 will be instantly and positively turned on its pivot and power w1ll be applied to the link 28 and to the links 25 anfl'26. The power being thus applied directly at the fulcrum or joint of the links 25 and 26 and along the longitudinal axis or length of link 28, the sail links 25 and 26 will be caused to expand equally in opposite directions and will thus drive the free ends of the brake-band 20 equally and uniformly away from the abutments 19, from the lugs 17, and into contact .with the brake ring or flange 4. This appliy tion of movement of the vehicle or of the wheels and that the same movement of the actuating-lever 44-46 and of the brake-lever 31 will with equal efficiency and power apply the brake-band to the brake-ring irrespective of the direction of movement of the vehicle. It will be realizefl from the illustration of my invention and the description above given. that comparatively little power applied to and comparatively little movement of the actuating-lever 44-46 are necessary to set the brake mechanism into action and that when once started into operation the action is cumulative, and consequently comparatively little power is needed to hold the brake mechanism to its work. Moreover, to separate the friction members little or no manual power is required, inasmuch as the normal strong tendency of the spring 40 to expanfl and the length of the'arm 33 of the brake-lever are powerful factors in forcing the toggle links and lever 31 into normal position and materially aid in and are, in fact, sufficient for the purpose of separating the brake members after the lever 44-46 has been released, and this means, which normally teni;1 s to separate the brake members '20 and 4, also constitutes the means which prevents rattling of and between the parts by properly hol-i ing them stiH and in normal position, for as the brake-band 20 is released from the brake-rim 4 the ends of the brake-band are instantly lifted and drawn into engagement with the abutments 19 and the journal portions of the shoes 22 instantly engage the bottom of the lugs 17 the lugs and abutments thus limiting the movement of the vbrakeband and preventing the eno's of the brake'- band from assuming a osition which might render the device ineffective unffer certain conditions, and sai'l lugs an'l abutments thus co erating with the spring 40 maintain the brake-band 20, the toggle-links, and the lever 31 in the normal inoperative position, but rea dy for instant effective opera tion. (Shown in Fig. 2.)

From the above description it will be seen that the brake-band 20 is entirely free from and independent of the axle 1, the brake-ring 4, and all of the ri id parts of the brake mechanism, said bra e-band being thus, in effect, what may be termed a floating` brake IOO IIO

member, for the power of the s ring 40 is such as to cause the ends of the rake-band to have a normal tendency to contract and coil within its circumference, thus enabling its said ends to tightly engage the respective abutments and lugs 19 and 17. This normal tendency of the ends of the band 20 to contract results in freeing the ends of the latter from the brake-ring and in firmly holding the band when its ends are engaged with the lugs and abutments in the position shown in Fig. 2 with an inherent power and readiness to do work-that is to say, when the brake-band has been placed in position, as in Fig. 2, the force and strength of spring 4() enable it to so' remain until suflicient power is applied to `force it into contact with the brake-ring, and such force and power are also sufficient to prevent its ends rattling on adjacent arts and to enable said band to maintain an su port the weight of its connected brake mec anism, which in turn prevents looseness and rattling of parts.. Thus by the mere agency of the spring 40 the brake-band 20 is `maintained in the position of Fig. 2-inoperative, but ready to do work-without the aid of positive external sup ort. However, during the operation an travel of the vehicle over rough roads violent vibration and jarring of parts may occur, which would probably while the brake band is inoperative tend to cause its gradual movement until its body portion were moved laterally into contact with the back of the brake-wheel 3, or sufficiently beyond the outer edge of the rim of the latter to be entirely 4displaced or become ineffectivefor braking pur oses. To overcome these possible tendencies and objectionable occurrences, I have provided the that is to say, as shown in Fig. 1, the links 25 and 26 are arranged in pairs and to embrace the depending support 13 at the bottom thereof, thus preventing the free ends of the brake-band from having any lateral movement caused by the jarring of the -vehicle or otherwise. In addition the restraining devices which en age the`enlarged-ends 51 of the arms 7 an 8 prevent the body of` the brake-band from having any lateral movement relatively to the brake-ring, and' by converging the slots or spaces between the lugs or arms 49, so as to enable the latter to engage the ends 5l snugly, excessive and obf1.5 ditions said band is without positive exterduplex structure of the toggle mechanism vjectionable movements of the brake-band as n sequent wear of the parts. A

nal support, being in consequence virtually j a floating member. Furthermore, it will be nseen from the description that the actuating 'mechanism is also independent of the axle and of the cooperating parts of the brake mechanism and has loose sliding connection l lwith the latter. These several elements-of constructionand. their accom anying functions are distinctive of my bra e mechanism and are important features of my invention in that they produce a simple, powerful, and effective brake for all kinds of heavy and light vehicles and one which 'is easily assembled or taken apart, easily and quickly operated, which will stand great wear and tear, and which requires but a minimum of force or movements to obtain a maximum of power and effective action.

Another important feature of my invenmechanism is the yielding connection between the'brake-lever 31 and the actuatingrod 37,' and the function resulting from this construction is quite important, for it must be borne in mind that the vehicle-body, to which the actuating-lever 44E-46 is pivoted, has considerable sprinfir or movement relatively to' the wheels and axle, which may be manifested -when weight is added to the said body or the vehiclejis traveling over rough roads. When such movement occurs, the loose and yielding 'connection between the arm 33 and the rod 37 permits the two to have considerable )lay and yield relatively, thus preventing the spring of the vehicle from affecting the rod or the brake mechanism, and the spring 40 takes up and absorbs the movement of the rod 37, prevents the latter from moving the lever 31, prevents rattling, looseness, strain or jamming of the parts, and maintains the parts in their proper relation undisturbed.

From the above description of the operation of the brake mechanism and the coperation ofthe several parts thereof for the functions andl urposes noted the following advantages an important features of my invention will be understood, and u on them it is desired to lay stress, viz: en the brake-band 2() is moved into action, every portion of its surface is instantly ap lied to the ring or flange 4, said brake-ban fitting tightly and snugly against said ring and applying in consequence a powerful frictional pressure. The brake-band 2O is expanded into action in contradistinction to being contracted into action, and this feature` of the brake mechanism enables the friction-sur-4 faces to be housed or covered, thus preventing the collection of grit or dirt and the con- The disposition of the parts is such as to render access easy andV IOO convenient for purposes of adjustment and ,or ino erative position.

and whatever wear takes place occurs equally friction-surfaces, the brake-band 20 thus automatically compen-` sating for wear on the braking-surfaces. Again, when the brake-band 20 has been re-i leased from l:its work it instantly and automatically returns to a concentric inoperative throughout the entire position, with its ends closely and forcibly ugging or bearing against the abutments 19 and lugs 17, where said ends are maintained tightly both by the strength of the band 2() and the expansive force of the spring 40,

which latter operates upon the adjacent nut 39 and the enlarged head 35 of the sleeve 36, thus holding the brake-lever 31 and the toggle-links firmly in the inoperative position, (shown in Fig. 2,) the actuating-lever 44-46 being presumed to have become locked in its ino erative position and the spring 4() to be un er compression, the rod 37 being thus held in substantially a horizontal osition and maintained in proper position y the upper end of the short arm 44 of the actuating-lever and the upper end of the long arm 83 of the brake-lever.

It will now be quite clear that Ihave roduced a form of brake mechanism whic is applicable to any and every kind of vehicle and one which is easily operated, is powerful in its action, is simple in structure, and isl It may be added that in operation; this brake has been found to apply its force instantly and effectively and that its applica;

durable.

tion can be made with such rapidity and force as to cause the wheels to ski Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1.A brake mechanism comprising a pluL rality of friction members normally out of'A contact with each other, means for bodily;

moving one of said members into contact with the other, andr stationary means cop-l erating with adjacent ortions of said mov-v able member so as to orm an abutment for by' therelative movement of the latter and controlling the position of the same.

2. A brake mechanism comprising two friction members, one ofthe said members consisting of a split ring and bein 'movable relatively to the other, meansfor odily-actuating said movable member into contact with the other, and elastic means included in the actuatin of saidmova le member when in its normal brake mechanism comprising two means for preventing rattling friction members, one of said members being movable relatively to the other, means for bodily actuating the movablemember into contact with the other, including means for supporting themovablememberin aninoperative position, and elastic means included in the actuating mechanism for preventing rattling of said member when in such position.l 4. A brake mechanism comprising a brakewheel d a brake member consisting of a s lit ring normally out of contact with the bra e- Wheel means 4for forcing said ring bodily into engagement with said wheel comprising a lever and a connection pivoted thereto and to said ring; and inde endent means coperatingwith the ends o said ring for controlling the position of the latter.`

5. A brake mechanism comprising a brake wheel a brake member consisting of a sp lit ring normallyout of Contact with the bra ewheel g stationary means interposed between the ends of said ring for controlling the position of the latter; and means for forcing said ring bodily into engagement with said wheel.

6. A brake mechanism comprising a brakewheel; a brake member consisting of a s lit ring normally out of contact with the bra ewheel; stationary means entirely within the circumference of said wheel coperating with the ends, and for maintaining the normal position, of the said ring; and means for forcing said ring bodily into engagement with said wheel.

7. A brake mechanism comprising a brakewheel; a split brake-ring contained in said wheel but normally out of contact therewith; a iixed abutment interposed kbetween the ends of said ring to control the position thereof; and means pivotally connected to said abutment and'to said ring for bodily actuating the latter for creating friction between the said wheel and ring.

8. A brake mechanism having in combination a brake-wheel; a resilient split ring encompassed by said wheel; means for creating contact between the wheel and ring, a ortio'n of which is located within the wheel; rake-actuating mechanism carried by a IOO rigid su port; and a yielding connection between t e actuating mechanismand the contact-creating means permitting4 said mechanism and means to have relative movements, whereby when the actuating mechanism is set the said means will not be disturbed said mechanism.

9. 'A brake mechanism having in combination a brake-wheel; a resilient split ring encom assed by said wheel and a train of iianism for creating contact between the mec members, including a lever located -within izo the'wheel, an actuatingdevice located out siderthe wheel, and a yielding connection between said device and lever permitting rela tive movement betweenthe two, whereby strain from the actuating device will not be transmitted to the lever .while the brake mechanism is in an inoperative position.

10. A brake mechanism havmg in combination a brake-wheel; a resilient split ring encompassed by said wheel; and a train of mechanism for creating contact between the members, said train of mechanism includin an actuating device, means within the whee for causing contact of said members, and a yielding connection between said device and means lpermitting relative. movement between t e two, whereby relative movement of said device and means may be had without disturbing' the brake members.

11. A brake mechanism comprising a brake-wheel; a resilient split ring for creating friction on said wheel; an abutment suitably supported and having a portion extending between the ends of the ring; means carried by the extending portion for controlling the position of said ends; and means, including a lever and a connection pivoted thereto and to said ring for b ily actuating the latter for creating friction between the wheel` and ring.

12. A brake mechanism comprising a brake-wheel; a split ring for creating friction on said wheel; an abutment suitably supported and having a cross-bar extending in yopposite directionto aposition adjacent the ring means on the ring for engagement with said bar to prevent lateral movement and rattling of the ring; and means for creating friction between the wheel and ring.

13. A brake mechanism comprising a brake-wheel; a split floating brake member;

stationary means coperating with adjacent free portions of said member for limiting the movement of the latter; and means for driving said member bodily against said brakewheel to create friction.

14. A brake mechanism comprising a brake-wheel a floating, split brake member; stationary means coperating with adjacent free portions of said member for limiting the movement of the latter; and means for driving said member bodily against said brakewheel by the application of power to its said free portions.

15. A brake mechanism comprising two friction members one of which is made of spring metal, means for sustaining the spring member normally free from and out of contact with the other member, stationary means cooperating with adjacent portions of one 'of said members for positively positioning and maintaining it in its normal position7 and actuating mechanism for driving the spring' member bodily into contact with the other mem r.

16. A brake mechanism comprising two friction members, mechanism for actuating one of said members bodily into contact with the other, a portion of such actuating mechanism being located Within and a portion outside the scope 'of said friction member, and said former portion having a cushion device coperating therewith to prevent rattling of ,j theparts and to normally hold the latter in an inoperative position.

17. A brake mechanism having in combination a brake-wheel; a resilient split ring encompassed by said wheel mechanism for actuating one of said members bodily into con- I tact with the other located within said wheel; a manually-operated means for actuating said mechanism; and an elastic device included in said actuating mechanism for coperating with said means for controlling theelements'v of both thereof when the same are in an inoperative position.

18. A brake mechanism comprising a brake-wheel; a resilient split ring normally held out of contact with theYbrake-wheel; a rigid abutment extending between the ends of said ring for holding said ends in an inoperative position; and me ans operating upon the ring in two directions for expanding the same and forcing it bodily into engagement with said wheel.

19. A brake mechanism comprising a brake-wheel a brake member consisting of a split ring normally held out of contact with the brake-wheel; an abutment coperating with the ends of the ring; means for preventing lateral movement of the ring relatively to the wheel; and means operating upon the ring in two directions for forcing the same bodily into engagement with said wheel.

20. A brake mechanism comprising a brake-wheel a spring, split ring normally held out of contact with the brake-wheel; means coperating with the ends of said rin for determining and maintaining the norma inoperative position thereof; and means for forcing said ring bodily into engagement with said wheel comprising a lever and a connection pivoted thereto and to said ring.

21. A brake mechanism comprising a brake-wheel a brake member normally held out of contact with the brake-wheel; means for maintaining said member in an inoperative position and for controlling the position thereof cooperating with its ends; and means for forcing said member bodily into engagement with said wheel comprising a lever and a connection pivoted thereto and to said ring, the said member and the said controlling means both being within the circumference of said Wheel.

22. A brake mechanism comprising a brake-wheel, a resilient, split brake-ring contained in said wheel; means pivotally connected to the ends of said brake-ring for aiding in holding the latter normally out. of contact with said wheel; means interposed between the ends of said ring for limiting the movement of the latter; and a lever mechanism,

IOO

including the ring-holding means, for bodily actuating the ring for creating friction between thewheel and ring.

23. 'A brake mechanism comprising a brake-wheel and a resilient split rin constituting brake members means for bo lymoving said members relatively to create friction betweenthe same.; said means including a cushion device, located within the circumference of the brake members, which also has the function of aiding in'holding one of the membersnormally out of contact` with the other.

24. A brake mechanism comprising a brake-Wheel and a single resilient split ring constituting brake members; and means for bodily moving one of said members into contact'with the other, including a spring which coperates with elements of said means so the latter may also .normally hold the brake members separated.

scribing witnesses.

25. In combination two brake members;

means for creating friction between the brake v members, saidmeans including a toggle device, an actuating device therefor, and a spring for controlling the normal position of said device; and means coperating with the toggleA device for preventin lateral displacement of the two brake mem ers.

26. In combination two friction members.; means for driving one into contact with the other, including a bell-crank lever and duplex toggle device; means embraced by said toggle device for holding the latter from lateral displacement; and means-for actuating the bellcrank leve In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name in the presence of two sub- EDWARD F. BRADLEY. 

